Brownies: Microwave butter and chocolate in large bowl on high, stirring every 20 seconds, until melted and smooth. Whisk in sugar, then eggs, 1 at a time, then vanilla. With a rubber spatula, stir in flour, cocoa powder and salt just until blended. Stir in pecans. Divide batter evenly amoun baking cups, or spread into baking pan.

Bake 20 to 22 minutes for foil cups, 24 to 26 minutes for baking pan, or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs clinging. Transfer to a wire rack; cool completely. Remove brownies from cups or, holding foil by ends, lift from pan, cut out 12 hearts with cookie cutter and carefully remove foil.

Sauce: Drain pie filling in a colander; discard liquid. Mix 1 tbsp cranberry juice and the cornstarch in a small bowl. Stir remaining juice and the sugar in a 10 in skillet over medium-high heat until it boils and sugar dissolves. Using a whisk, stir in cornstarch mixture. Cook, stirring, until thickened. Add almond extract and cherries; stir 3 minutes or until hot.

Slowly pour brandy over cherries and carefully ignite with a long match. Shake pan back and forth until flames die out.

Top each with a small scoop of ice cream, then warm or room temperature sauce.